When I began massage school, I was harboring a secret. (I knew I wasn't good enough. I had low back pain, and my right wrist was ready to give out from computing. I felt like a fraud putting myself in such a healthy environment.)

I kept my little secret hidden, convinced that if anyone knew, they would toss me right outta there. And, man oh man, I so wanted to stay right where I was.

A few weeks in, a dear classmate of mine admitted to me in confidence that she (gasp!) had back pain, and she was afraid if anyone knew they would toss her right outta there!

Together, we realized this was silly. Massage school is a great place to be if you have back pain, because there you will learn how to treat it.

At the time, I didn't realize that my injuries would make me a better massage therapist.

My inherent weaknesses, strain from repetitive use, and my back pain provide lessons. I learn from them. As a massage therapist, I offer treatment AND I teach from my clinical and personal experience (gained in my very real body).

I have worked my way back from low points. I have learned to manage it. I have tried things that didn't work (expensive things!). And, I have put into regular practice the things that do work.

Take this month, for example. I am sitting at my computer a lot this fall to create new e-courses. Sitting does me in (frankly, that's why I am a Thai massage therapist). Has my sacroiliac joint been cranky? You bet. This is what works for me and what I recommend to clients;

Get a Massage: (duh!) I booked a long deep tissue massage with craniosacral therapy. It dug up the gravel in my tissues, and I took the next steps to clear it away.

Take a Break: I spent a weekend away from my work with my dear man (that was easy!).

Walk it Off: I logged about 10 miles that weekend rambling on the streets of my favorite city. It was painful the first day, but the second day was better.

Heat It: I packed my hot water bottle and took it to bed with me every night.

Exercise: You will never run into me at the local gym. I prefer dragging brush to free weights. I spent two glorious days cutting, dragging and burning a brush pile as big as an Airstream. I started out stiff and sore, but ended supple and strong (and being outdoors is curative!).

When I washed the cinders and twigs out of my hair and flopped into bed, I knew my back was healed. It will likely resurface at some point, but it does not have power over me. I am on top of it.

The lesson here? None of this is rocket science. Actually DOING it is the thing. You are responsible for "clearing away the gravel" too. Your massage therapist is an absolute treasure (no doubt), but her work alone will never heal you without the self-care.

After more than 12 years as a Thai massage therapist, do I still have pain? On occasion. Am I perfect? Nope. But, I know how to take care of myself, and I recognize when to ask for help.

My injuries and the experience they have given me are an integral part of my massage practice. Without them, I would be a much less effective therapist and teacher.

Absolutely agree with this post! I do mostly sports and rehabilitative massage. But, growing up an athlete my whole life, and continuing to stay active has presented me with many injuries I have had to deal with. I received a lot of massage treatment before I went to massage school and I learned a lot just from those sessions alone. I still get regular massage, and try to see new therapists because you can always learn something new.

Pamela Herrick

10/16/2013 10:18:30 am

Casey, having been an athlete is such a great preparation for a career in massage. Thanks for your thoughtful comment and all the best to you (and your fortunate clients)! Pam

Renee Gerber

6/21/2014 01:53:17 am

I am not young, but I decided to pursue a life long dream of becoming a physical therapist. I've always loved massage (giving and receiving) and am always trying to incorporate massage into my PT sessions. The power of touch is incredible. I also have plenty of injuries (healed and ongoing) which allow me to really empathize with my patients. Your post reminds me to step back a minute (or an hour or two) and take care of myself.

Pamela Herrick

6/21/2014 05:42:41 am

Renee, Thank you for your thoughtful comment. As you know, when we care for ourselves and tend to our own injuries, we offer our clients and those we touch a model for caring for themselves. That is powerful stuff, Pam

Years and years of injuries and therapies to heal them have shown me what movement of any kind will do. Therefore when my back hurts, I choose to rearrange the furniture, when my leg hurts, I walk on it, It is "painfully" obvious that sitting it out is not the answer. I have learned a lot through Pam, and wish I lived closer to enjoy her fabulous massage treatments.